Apparently, cages aren’t just for animals anymore.

Chain link cages are increasingly being used to protect valuable items, from scrap metal thieves.

The Unity Church of Peace in South Bend had one built last summer to protect it's air conditioning units.

“You know, we wondered is the fence going to do it?” said church board member Joleen Krause. “If they had pipe cutters are they going to just gain access?”

But Krause thinks the cage has been a deterrent.

The church has had no problems with scrap metal thieves since last summer, when the unprotected air conditioning units were stripped twice in a two week period.

“We've probably done about 15 to 20 of these in the past year,” said Chris Loftus of Cal-Pro Fence Company.

“It’s increased in the past eight months, with scrap prices increasing.”

Meantime, Press Ganey has turned to a chain link cage to protect a sprinkler system valve that has become a popular item with scrap metal thieves.

“I believe we’re secure,” said property manager Rowland Rose. “Who knows, we’ll find out, others have used different ways. I’ve heard of people who just wrapped a chain around and secured it to the wall.”